Besides her father and paternal grandparents, she is also survived by her mother, Dorothy Michelle Kief; her maternal grandparents, John and Linda Bebout; a half-brother, Korey Stark, of Bolivar; an uncle, Chris Kief, of Cassville; and a special cousin, Darlene Ada Kief, of Neosho.

She was preceded in death by all her great-grandparents; however, Melissa was able to enjoy the companionship and love of her great- grandmother, Pearl "Dolores" Shackelford, who passed away Dec. 1, 2010.

She was born in Springfield on Oct. 13, 2000. She was a fourth grade student at Cassville Intermediate School, where she was an honor student. She loved music and was in the choir at school. She attended church at New Life Freedom Center in Cassville.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 3, in Allen Church, Cape Fair, under the direction of Fohn Funeral Home, Cassville. Darrell Roberts will conduct the services. Burial will be at Philibert Cemetery, Kimberling City.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, March 2 in the J. C. Duncan Gymnasium (the rock gym) at Cassville Schools.